How to Help Aging Adults Delay the Onset of Cognitive Decline

By Domenic Maccarone, 9:00 am on February 9, 2018

The body undergoes various changes as people age, but cognitive decline does not need to be one of them. Family members can help their aging loved ones stave off cognitive decline by taking the following steps.

Add Seafood to the Diet

Many seniors living in the Mediterranean region eat plenty of seafood, and their nutritional habits have been shown to lower the risk of cognitive decline. Oily fish contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids in the forms of alpha-linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid, which are necessary for the formation and function of neurons in the brain. Eating seafood at least once each week provides the brain with essential nutrients and protects it from developing dementia. Diets featuring seafood are particularly beneficial to older adults who have the APOE gene that may cause Alzheimer’s disease.

Cognitive decline is one of the most serious health issues older adults are susceptible to. If your elderly loved one is living with a serious medical condition and needs help managing the tasks of daily living, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a Barrie home care company you can trust. Our caregivers are available 24/7, there are no hidden fees in our contracts, and we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all of our in-home care services.

Encourage Exercise

Seniors who engage in 30 minutes of strenuous exercise three to five times a week can reduce their risk of dementia. Exercise enhances cardiovascular function and ensures the brain receives sufficient amounts of oxygen and nutrients. Getting regular exercise also reduces the chance of developing inflammation, diabetes, and other conditions that interfere with neuron health. Seniors should consider taking brisk walks, trying routine aerobic workouts, jogging, or enjoying other sports activities.

Serve Tea

Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in the form of catechins, L-theanine, theaflavins, and thearubigins. These organic compounds provide protection from neurodegeneration and vascular damage. Tea is a relatively inexpensive beverage that can reduce dementia risk anywhere from 50 to 86 percent.

Increase Socialization

Having a network of friends and family to socialize with helps seniors reduce the risk of developing dementia. Socializing might include attending church services regularly, engaging in community activities, or simply visiting family members and neighbors. Being social is also necessary for preventing physiological effects that contribute to poor mental health.

For families living in Barrie, ON, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Home Care Assistance, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.

Promote Lifelong Learning

Learning and memory take place in the hippocampus. When involved in a new activity, this region of the brain stimulates the release of a protein known as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is responsible for the growth and differentiation of neuron synapses. BDNF is also important for increasing communication between nerve cells and creating memories. Within the hippocampus are theta rhythms, which involve the synchronous firing of neurons. The number of theta rhythms is thought to decrease with age and contribute to memory issues. When engaged in active learning, the rhythms increase and ensure neuron health.

Seniors can delay the onset of cognitive decline and enjoy a high quality of life by making healthy lifestyle choices. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining healthy habits, consider hiring a professional elderly caregiver. Barrie families can rely on Home Care Assistance to provide dedicated and compassionate in-home caregivers who are trained in our holistic Balanced Care Method, which was designed to encourage seniors to exercise often, eat nutritious foods, maintain strong social ties, and focus on other lifestyle factors that promote longevity. To learn about our premier in-home care plans, give us a call at 705-503-2273 today.